Continuous Improvement Manager

SoTalent; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SoTalent is seeking a Manager, Continuous Improvement to lead Lean initiatives across a high-volume operation in Denver. You will identify opportunities to boost productivity, cut waste, and reduce operating costs while ensuring safety and quality.

You will apply Lean tools to analyze workflows, mentor staff, partner with cross-functional teams, and drive measurable performance improvements across the unit.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Business Economics, Science or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Analyze material and information flows to identify opportunities to improve productivity, reduce waste and optimize operating costs.
• Evaluate material consumption, labor costs, operational expenses, quality, safety and space utilization to identify improvement opportunities.
• Plan, lead and support continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Drive process improvements that increase operational efficiency, minimize waste and improve workplace safety.
• Support the rollout and standardization of operational excellence and OPEX programs across the unit.
• Develop and maintain production system roadmaps, process blueprints and improvement plans.
• Diagnose major cost drivers, including material, labor and operating costs, and quantify the potential impact of process improvements.
• Develop documented improvement proposals and work with unit leadership to implement operational changes.
• Lead change management activities and support employees throughout process and organizational changes.
• Present improvement plans, progress and results to senior leadership and company executives.
• Identify, document and share Lean Manufacturing best practices and benchmark initiatives.
• Coach and develop Continuous Improvement staff and facilitate training sessions.
• Build Lean Manufacturing capability across all levels of the operation through training and hands-on coaching.
• Develop and maintain training materials covering continuous improvement methods, processes and operational standards.
• Apply Lean tools and techniques including 5S, Value Stream Mapping, Kanban, Just-in-Time, takt time, flow, pull systems, FIFO, waste reduction and structured problem solving.
• Support workplace organization, process layout and facility improvements where required.
• Collaborate with other sites and operational teams to share best practices and drive cross-functional improvement.
• Work with diverse employee groups and all levels of operational leadership to implement sustainable improvements.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Continuous Improvement

Operational Excellence

Industrial Engineering

Project Management

Leadership

Change Management

Analytical Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Business Economics, Science or a related field

Tools

AutoCAD

Excel

Job description

Work Setting: On-site

Employment Type: Full-time

Function: Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing, Operational Excellence, Industrial Engineering

About the Role

A Manager, Continuous Improvement is responsible for identifying and implementing opportunities to improve productivity, reduce waste and operating costs, enhance quality and safety, and optimize material and information flows across an operational unit.

The role will apply Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies to analyze cost drivers, workflows, production processes and workplace organization. This position will lead improvement initiatives, support change management, develop operational capabilities and partner with leadership and cross-functional teams to deliver measurable performance improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze material and information flows to identify opportunities to improve productivity, reduce waste and optimize operating costs.
• Evaluate material consumption, labor costs, operational expenses, quality, safety and space utilization to identify improvement opportunities.
• Plan, lead and support continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Drive process improvements that increase operational efficiency, minimize waste and improve workplace safety.
• Support the rollout and standardization of operational excellence and OPEX programs across the unit.
• Develop and maintain production system roadmaps, process blueprints and improvement plans.
• Diagnose major cost drivers, including material, labor and operating costs, and quantify the potential impact of process improvements.
• Develop documented improvement proposals and work with unit leadership to implement operational changes.
• Lead change management activities and support employees throughout process and organizational changes.
• Present improvement plans, progress and results to senior leadership and company executives.
• Identify, document and share Lean Manufacturing best practices and benchmark initiatives.
• Coach and develop Continuous Improvement staff and facilitate training sessions.
• Build Lean Manufacturing capability across all levels of the operation through training and hands-on coaching.
• Develop and maintain training materials covering continuous improvement methods, processes and operational standards.
• Apply Lean tools and techniques including 5S, Value Stream Mapping, Kanban, Just-in-Time, takt time, flow, pull systems, FIFO, waste reduction and structured problem solving.
• Support workplace organization, process layout and facility improvements where required.
• Collaborate with other sites and operational teams to share best practices and drive cross-functional improvement.
• Work with diverse employee groups and all levels of operational leadership to implement sustainable improvements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Business Economics, Science or a related field.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence or Industrial Engineering.
• Experience analyzing operations, cost drivers, material flows, information flows, productivity and operating expenses.
• Proven experience leading projects and influencing teams across multiple functions or organizational levels.
• Experience maintaining safety, quality and operational standards within a production or manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with 5S, Value Stream Mapping, Kanban, Just-in-Time, takt time, flow, pull systems, FIFO and waste reduction.
• Experience in high-volume manufacturing, food production, restaurant or catering operations is preferred.
• At least 2 years of supervisory experience in a high-volume operational environment is preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma or Continuous Improvement certification is preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and process improvement capabilities.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.
• AutoCAD experience is advantageous.
• Strong project management, organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders and drive organizational change.
• Ability to work independently, identify opportunities and implement practical operational improvements.
• ServSafe certification is preferred, with the ability to obtain certification if required.
• Spanish language proficiency is preferred.
• Ability to travel up to 50% as required.